COURSE CATALOG Montessori Center for Teacher Education – Washington State AMS Full Affiliate MACTE Accredited through 2017 10723 NE 38th Pl. Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 822 – 6233 info@montessoriteachereducation.org TABLE OF CONTENTS A Note from the Director .............................................................................................. 2 Philosophy...................................................................................................................... 3 Objectives of the Teacher Education Program ....................................................... 3 Faculty............................................................................................................................ 5 Course Content - Early Childhood Education Ages 2 1/2 through 6 ....................... 6 Section I: Independent Study — 100 Hours ............................................................... 6 Section II: Academic Workshop— 302 Hours ............................................................ 7 Section III: Practicum - 540 Hours ................................................................................ 8 Admissions Policy ...................................................................................................... 10 School Calendar .......................................................................................................... 12 Tuition Costs ............................................................................................................... 14 Financial Assistance ................................................................................................... 14 Job Placement ............................................................................................................. 14 Location ....................................................................................................................... 14 Facilities ....................................................................................................................... 14 Class Size ..................................................................................................................... 14 Directions ..................................................................................................................... 14 Attendance Requirements .......................................................................................... 15 Standard Of Progress .................................................................................................. 15 Student Conduct Code ............................................................................................... 15 Credit ............................................................................................................................ 17 Records and Transcripts ............................................................................................ 17 Transfer Policy ............................................................................................................ 17 Cancellation Of Classes ............................................................................................. 18 Tuition Refund Policy ................................................................................................... 18 Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page i Revised March 2015 A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear Prospective Student, The Montessori Center for Teacher Education – Washington State was founded by Jeannine Hanson in 1997 to provide excellence in Early Childhood Montessori teacher education. A talented, dedicated and experienced faculty is committed to assist you in your Montessori studies. The course is taught on the beautiful campus of Chestnut Montessori School. A cooperative and hands-on learning environment supports the growth of our adult students. A wide variety of schools in the greater Puget Sound area are available as practicum sites. MCTE is affiliated by the American Montessori Society (AMS), the largest international teacher education organization, and accredited through the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE). AMS and MCTE honor diversity and pluralism. My commitment is to assist you in becoming the best Montessori teacher possible. This course offers all components required to receive a Montessori credential. Seminar Instruction includes lecture, demonstrations, partnering, small group discussion, videos, student presentations, and supervised practice. Students with a diversity of life and educational experiences have successfully completed their AMS certification. Our graduates have been very successful in finding employment. I welcome you to visit our school, attend a class, or call me if you would like to explore the option of receiving Montessori Early Childhood teacher education at Montessori Center for Teacher Education. Warm regards, Jeannine Hanson Executive Director Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page 2 Revised March 2015 PHILOSOPHY A program dedicated to training Montessori teachers must have as its guiding values the fundamental principles upon which Maria Montessori based her philosophy. The same principles that pertain to children’s education need to be applied, whenever possible, to adults. MCTE demonstrates that if this same philosophy is upheld, students taking the training will develop a love of the Montessori philosophy and methodology that will continue long past the completion of their Teacher Education Program. The MCTE Philosophy, therefore, includes the following principles: In following Montessori’s concern for the student’s freedom of choice, MCTE is guided by a deep respect for each student’s individual process of development. Examples of methods used to encourage the student’s freedom of choice are: open-ended discussion, questions in Independent Study, and individually selected research projects. Because Montessori emphasizes the active participation of the learner, this teacher education program focuses in on the activity of the student. Class participation, written assignments, illustrated lesson albums, and practical final evaluations are methods by which MCTE provides opportunities for active student participation. Montessori felt that the process of development was much more important than the end project. Therefore, MCTE attempts to provide an atmosphere of positive cooperation among all individuals in the program. Closely supervised self-evaluations, constructive guidance, and an emphasis on objective evaluation are some of the methods used to implement this belief. Objectives of the Teacher Education Program The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of Montessori philosophy, theory, and methodology. The student will be able to demonstrate theoretical knowledge of pertinent research findings in the field of child development and early childhood education. The student will be able to demonstrate practical ability in implementing the Montessori philosophy and methods. Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page 3 Revised March 2015 The student will have the insights and skills needed to work with the individual needs of children and plan for the continuity of learning experiences for children age 2 ½ through 6. The student will become part of a “team’ in a school and will learn how to work with co-workers and with administration of the school. The student will demonstrate love for children and for the Montessori method. The student will be able to implement human development and early education concepts to other staff, parents, and the community. The student will meet MACTE competencies related to: o Montessori Philosophy and Human Development o Classroom Leadership o Curriculum Implementation o Community Involvement and Partnership with Families Course Cycle MCTE accepts students who hold a high school degree, bachelor’s degree, or international degree. This course may be completed in one or two academic years. Students begin the Independent Study component (Section I) at anytime. Section II meets from September to June. Section III may begin either concurrently or after Section II. Students may take Section I and II for one course cycle and complete Section III the following academic year. One course cycle is 9 months. Montessori Early Childhood Education Credential Upon satisfactory completion of all objectives of the teacher education program, course work, practicum, and exams, the Director will recommend qualified students be awarded a credential for Montessori Early Childhood Education through the American Montessori Society. The student is then qualified to apply for a position as a Montessori teacher. If the student does not complete all of the above objectives, the Director will recommend a second year of practicum for the student. Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page 4 Revised March 2015 FACULTY Jeannine Hanson is the Founding Director and owner of Montessori Center for Teacher Education. She is the Founding Director and owner of Chestnut Montessori School. She has over 40 years of experience in Montessori education. She has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Washington and completed her American Montessori Society certification at Seattle University in 1984. She is a former classroom teacher where she led an on-going parent education program. Jeannine has presented workshops at national, regional, and international conferences. She was on the Board of Directors for NCME and has served on numerous state and MACTE committees and task forces. Jeannine oversees all student academic advising and counseling. She is also a Washington State Approved Continuing Education Trainer through MERIT. Rachelle Stefanski is the Assistant Director and Music Specialist at Chestnut Montessori School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Elmhurst College and an American Montessori Society Teaching Credential in Early Childhood Education from the Montessori Center for Teacher Education Washington State. She is a member of the American Montessori Society (AMS), the Pacific Northwest Montessori Association (PNMA), and is a Washington State Approved Continuing Education Trainer through MERIT. She studied the piano throughout her childhood and participated in various piano and vocal competitions. Rachelle teaches Music, Art, Math, Geography, and Zoology for MCTE. Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page 5 Revised March 2015 COURSE CONTENT EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AGES 2 1/2 THROUGH 6 Section Independent Study Seminar Instruction Practicum Part Hours Part 1: Principles and Philosophy of Montessori Education Part 2: Human Development Part 3: Classroom Observation Montessori Theory/Philosophy, Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, Geography, Physical Science, Life Science, Art, Music and Movement, History, Art History, Classroom Leadership, Human Development, Parent/Educator Partnership, Observation Student practicum consists of a minimum of 540 hours over 9 months in an approved Montessori classroom under the guidance of a supervising teacher. 100 302 540 Section I: Independent Study — 100 Hours Introduction The Independent Study consists of carefully sequenced lessons in Montessori philosophy and child development. This course provides the theoretical foundation needed to successfully implement Montessori principles in the classroom. There are three sections to the Independent Study. Part 1: Principles and Philosophy of Montessori Education Part 2: Human Development Part 3: Classroom Observation Part 1: Montessori Philosophy Montessori books and an independent study guide are provided to students for guided studies on ten lessons including an overview of Dr. Montessori’s life and the development of the Montessori Method. Students will write a paper on Montessori’s life and the development of the Montessori Method in the fall. In Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page 6 Revised March 2015 the spring, students will write a paper, comparing Montessori and traditional methods of education. Students will write and present a paper on Montessori philosophy or human development. Part 2: Human Development Human development consists of five lessons of guided reading on the developmental patterns of young children from ages 2 ½ through 6. The emotional, social, physical, spiritual, and intellectual development of children will be studied. Students will write two papers on child development. Part 3: Classroom Observations The student observes six different Early Childhood Montessori classrooms and writes observation documentation. Seminar instruction provides strategies for scientific observation of children through overview and record keeping, lecture, video, discussion, guided practice and field observation. Section II: Seminar Instruction— 302 Hours Human Development/Psychology Various theories of human development are reviewed and compared with Maria Montessori’s philosophy. Students study the developmental stages of children and the factors influencing a child’s development and learning. Past and present theories of human development are studied. Montessori Philosophy/Theory Montessori principles and philosophy are discussed in detail and practical exercises of basic Montessori terminology are given. Students will learn how the Montessori philosophy is the basis for the teacher’s and child’s classroom experiences. Observation Seminar instruction provides strategies for scientific observation of children through overview and record keeping, lecture, video, discussion, guided practice, and field observation. Practical Life Introduction to the Practical Life theory and presentation of materials. Students participate in demonstrations, supervised practice, and the design of original materials. The significance of movement for the young child is discussed and specific age-appropriate movement sequences are given. Student progress is assessed through written and practical exams. Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page 7 Revised March 2015 Sensorial Sensorial theory is discussed, lectures and demonstrations of the Montessori Sensorial materials are given. Students participate in demonstrations, supervised practice and review, and the design of original materials. Student progress is assessed through written and practical exams. Mathematics Mathematics curriculum includes seminars on the child’s development of Iogical thinking skills and refinement of the mathematical mind. A progression of materials is demonstrated from pre-math, to early math materials used in the Montessori classroom, to the four formal and informal operations. Students develop a mathematics album, and participate in supervised practice, review, and assessment. Student progress is assessed through written and practical exams. Language The purpose and progression of the Montessori Language sequence is given. The language curriculum includes seminars on the acquisition of language and reading skills, from pre-reading skills through grammar. Students are given a specific, complete reading program and many extras in this course. Student assignments include material-making, completion of a Language Album, supervised practice, and student assessment. Student progress is assessed through written and practical exams. 61 classroom seminar hours are devoted to Art, Music, and Movement curriculum Physical and Life Science curriculum including Zoology, Botany, Earth Science and Physical Science Social Studies curriculum including Geography, History, and Art History Classroom leadership principles, guidelines and methods based on the Montessori philosophy are studied in theory and in practice. Positive ways to guide children to become independent and self-directed are discussed. Parent/educator partnership Section III: Practicum - 540 Hours The practicum provides students with a supervised teaching/learning experience and an opportunity to integrate the Montessori theory and practice. Student practicum consists of a minimum of 540 hours over 9 months in an approved Montessori classroom under the guidance of a supervising teacher. Students may begin the practicum after completion of 25 hours of seminar instruction, and all independent study reading assignments, and all required Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page 8 Revised March 2015 written work, and fees are turned in. The student is responsible for quarterly documented observations and reports, year-long observations, and developing a year-long research study, which shall be demonstrated during the 2 week head teaching experience. Fulfillment of practicum requirements will be determined by the Director of MCTE, based on observations, documentation, year-long research study grade, satisfactory completion of the objectives of the teacher education program, and head teaching. Upon the successful completion of the Independent Study, Seminar Instruction, and Practicum phases, students who are ready to be a head teacher in the classroom will receive a recommendation to receive an AMS teaching credential. Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page 9 Revised March 2015 PRE-ADMISSION EVALUATION Student’s ability to clearly read and write competently in English. Two years of college experience or previous positive employment experience with children is recommended. For the purposes of determining each student’s ability to succeed from the program, the Montessori Center for Teacher Education requires a written essay on “Why I Want to become a Montessori professional and why I have chosen the Montessori Center for Teacher EducationWashington State.” Two letters reference and official school transcripts or an official school transcript evaluation must be sent directly to MCTE. The Director, Jeannine Hanson, will also meet with each student to determine his or her motivation and willingness to complete the course. Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page 10 Revised March 2015 ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES The admission process is available year round. Students may begin the Independent Study upon enrollment. However, students may begin the academic workshops only in September. Students wishing to apply for training complete the following: 1. An initial meeting with the administration to discuss course specifics. 2. Completion of the Application for Admission form with the stated nonrefundable fee. 3. A written essay by the student on “Why I Want to become a Montessori professional and why I have chosen the Montessori Center for Teacher Education-Washington State.” 4. Submission of official high school or college transcripts directly from the school or university. If the transcript originated outside of the United States, an original transcript evaluation is required and must be sent from the service directly to MCTE. 5. Completion of 2 years of college or equivalent is recommended. 6. The student will be notified of acceptance in writing. 7. Student must sign an “Enrollment Agreement” and pay “Tuition Deposit Payment” before receiving the Student Handbook and Books. 8. Meet state requirements for completion of Background Check. AMS EARLY CHILDHOOD MONTESSORI TEACHING CREDENTIAL Upon successful completion of all requirements, and the recommendation of the Director, students holding a bachelors degree, the equivalent, or higher are recommended for an AMS Montessori Early Childhood Teaching Credential (ages 2 ½ through 6). Upon successful completion of all requirements, and the recommendation of the Director, students without a bachelors degree will be recommended for an AMS Montessori Associate Early Childhood Teaching Credential (ages 2 ½ through 6). Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page 11 Revised March 2015 SCHOOL CALENDAR Our student-faculty contact hours take place on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:45 PM until 8:00 PM with a brief dinner break. Students bring their food and remain on campus during class time. Independent Study: Begins upon completion of Admissions Process. Seminar Instruction: Begins the second Tuesday of September and meets for 8.5 hours per week on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:45-8:00 PM through the first week of June. All legal holidays are observed. Practicum: Practicum begins when 25 hours of Seminar Instruction are completed and all student responsibilities are completed. Practicum ends after the completion of 540 Practicum hours, 9 months, and recommendation of the Director. Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page 12 Revised March 2015 TOTAL TUITION FEES (2015-2016) Registration Date Before July 31, 2015 July 31, 2015 through August 31, 2015 After August 31, 2015 Total Tuition Due $6,550.00 $6,650.00 $6,750.00 TUITION FEES (2015-2016) Early Childhood Credential Registration Fee Tuition and Books, AMS and MACTE Student Fees Tuition Information $ 250 $6,300.00 OTHER FEES (2015-2016) Late Registration (after July 31, 2015) Late Registration (after August 31, 2015) *Late Fees (tuition payments received after the 5th of each month) *Payment Plan Fee *Toll Fees/Parking Fees/Ferry Fees/Mileage for travel over 50 miles from Chestnut Montessori School *Self-Directed Practicum (must be paid the first day of class) *Re-scheduled Test Fee/Test Re-take Fee *Continuation Fee *Extra Observation Visit *Not included in Total Tuition Fees $100 $200 $ 25 $100 Varies $350 $100/component $500/year $100/visit PAYMENT PLAN SCHEDULE (2015-2016) Tuition Registration Fee Deposit Payment Payment 1 Payment 2 Payment 3 Payment 4 Payment 5 Payment 6 AMS/MACTE Student Fees Amount $ 250 $2,000 $ 650 $ 650 $ 650 $ 650 $ 650 $ 650 $ 400 Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page 13 Due Date Upon Registration Upon Registration September 1, 2015 October 1, 2015 November 1, 2015 December 1, 2015 January 1, 2016 February 1, 2016 September 1, 2015 Revised March 2015 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Montessori Center for Teacher Education does not underwrite any student assistance. JOB PLACEMENT The Director of Montessori Center for Teacher education assists students with job placement by announcing all job opportunity notices received from schools and keeping a catalogue of such notices. Faculty will write student recommendations when requested, and school administrators who inquire are advised of the availability of trained teachers. Employment, salary, and occupational advancement are not guaranteed by the Montessori Center for Teacher Education. LOCATION Classes are taught on the campus of Chestnut Montessori School: 10723 NE 38th Pl. Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 822-6233 FACILITIES Classes are taught on the campus of Chestnut Montessori School. Parking is available and does not require a permit. Class Size Class size is limited to 24 beginning students. The Student — Faculty ratio is 24:2. DIRECTIONS From Seattle From 520 Eastbound, take the exit toward Lake Washington Blvd NE. Turn left onto Lake Washington Blvd NE. Turn right at NE 38th Pl. The school is the last driveway on the right before 108th. It is on the corner of NE 38th Pl and 108th across from the Park and Ride. The school is in a large red house. Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page 14 Revised March 2015 From the Eastside From 520 Westbound, take 108th Ave NE exit. Turn right at the light onto 108th Ave NE. Cross through Northup Way and immediately get into the left turn lane. Turn left onto 38th Pl (the first left after the light). Turn into the first driveway on the left. The school is in a large red house. ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS Regular attendance of all classes is expected. A student is expected to be prompt and to stay for the full period of the class. An absentee rate of ten percent is the maximum permitted by MACTE. Instructors are responsible for maintaining attendance records. Students whose absentee rate exceeds ten percent must make up classes missed the following year. When absent, a student is required to acquire the notes on the materials or work missed. Some topics covered in the course take place on one or two class days (Geography, Botany, Zoology, Science Experiments, Earth Science, Art History). Attendance is mandatory for these classes. If a student misses one of these classes, they must attend the classes the following year and their credential will be delayed until all course work is complete. Attendance records will indicate all absences, tardiness, or early departures. STANDARD OF PROGRESS Students must complete assignments on or before the due date. Written assignments will be accepted prior to each class, and the grade will be reduced by one grade point if not turned in on time. Students must maintain a C average to remain in the course. Course notes will not be given to students who do not maintain acceptable standards of progress and financial requirements as evaluated by the Director. Any student who does not maintain a C average will be placed on probation until satisfactory progress is resumed, and will be so notified in writing. Letter grades are given on most student work. Upon completion of all course work transcripts are sent to AMS. The grading scale is: A 90 – 100, B 80 – 89, C 70 - 79 STUDENT CONDUCT CODE Any applicant must agree to the Student Conduct Code prior to admission. Violations of this code will make the violator liable for reprimand, probation, suspension, or dismissal depending upon the seriousness of the violation. The MCTE Director will make all decisions on conduct violations. A student who fails to maintain satisfactory progress, violates safety regulations, interferes with other student’s work, is boisterous, vulgar, or obscene, under the Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page 15 Revised March 2015 influence of alcohol or drugs during their Practicum or in class, or does not meet financial obligations to MCTE is subject to immediate termination. Smoking is NOT permitted on school campuses. Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, or dangerous drugs are not permitted on Chestnut Montessori School property under any circumstances. Proven possession is grounds for immediate dismissal. Objectionable behavior of any kind will be recorded by date and discussed with the student before any disciplinary action is taken. Definition of terms: 1. Reprimand - Verbal warning which implies that further violations will result in probation, suspension, or dismissal. 2. Probation - Written warning, involving designated period of time implying that further violations during such time period will result in suspension or dismissal. The student must abide by any specific stipulations prescribed by the probationary action. 3. Suspension - The immediate withdrawal of the student from MCTE. Suspension notification will be in writing and will include a date, after which the student may apply for re-admittance. The student may be re-admitted at such time as an opening exists. 4. Dismissal - The immediate withdrawal of the student from MCTE Dismissal will be in writing and will indicate that the student will not be considered for re-admission. A dismissed student will receive a refund in accordance with the refund policy. Arbitration procedure for grievances: A complaint not resolved after an initial verbal contact should then be stated in writing. Once a complaint is submitted to the Director of the Montessori Center for Teacher Education, an arbitration committee is appointed by the course. The committee consists of the Course Director, a staff member, a student representative, and a practicum site administrator. If a grievance is unresolved by the above method, students may contact the American Montessori Society or the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board with concerns or complaints. Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page 16 Revised March 2015 American Montessori Society 116 East 16th Street New York, NY 10003-2163 212-358-1250 www.amshq.org MACTE 313 Second St. S.E. Ste. 112 Charlottesville, VA 22902 434-202-7793 www.macte.org Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board I28 10th Avenue SW Olympia, WA 98504-3105 360-709-4600 www.wtb.wa.gov MCTE adheres to a policy of non-discrimination in regard to race, gender, religion, color, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or age in the process of student selection. This school is licensed under Chapter 28C.10RCW; inquiries or complaints regarding this or any other private vocational school may be made to the Washington Workforce Training and Education Coordination Board, 128 10th Avenue SW, PO Box 43105, Olympia WA 98504 – 3105, phone number: 360-7094600. This course is accredited by MACTE through 2017. CREDIT/TRANSFER POLICY No credit is given for work done outside MCTE. RECORDS AND TRANSCRIPTS Records are kept for 50 years at: Chestnut Montessori School 10723 NE 38th Pl. Bellevue, WA 98004 To request a copy of your transcript, you may contact the American Montessori Society at ams@amshq.org Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page 17 Revised March 2015 CANCELLATION OF CLASSES The school reserves the right to cancel a starting class if the number of students enrolling is deemed insufficient. Such cancellation will be considered a rejection by the school and entitles students to a full refund of all money paid, excluding course books and materials. The school reserves the right to suspend, cancel or postpone a class or classes after training has begun in the event of an occurrence that unavoidably limits the use of school facilities such as fire, flood, storm, war, or civil disorder. In such case a pro-rata refund will be made of any fees or tuition prepaid by the student, unless the student elects to continue the training in a later class. TUITION REFUND POLICY Cancellation and Refund Policy for Resident Training Programs: 1. MCTE must refund all money paid if the applicant is not accepted. This includes instances where a starting class is canceled by the school. 2. MCTE must refund all money (excluding book and supply fees) paid if the applicant cancels within five business days (excluding Sundays and holidays) after the day the contract is signed or an initial payment is made, as long as the applicant has not begun training. 3. The school may retain an established registration fee equal to ten percent of the total tuition cost, or one hundred dollars, whichever is less, if the applicant cancels past the fifth business day after signing the contract or making an initial payment. A registration fee is any fee charged by a school to process student applications and establish a student record system. 4. If training is terminated after entering classes, the student is financially obligated to the school according to the following formulas or maximum charges: (instructional time refers to academic contact hours) (a) If you terminate during first week or 10 percent of contracted instructional time, whichever is less, MCTE may retain 10 percent of tuition cost, plus all registration, other fees, AMS/MACTE student fees, book and supply fees. (b) If you terminate after the first week or 10 percent of contracted instructional time, whichever is less, but prior to completion of 25 percent of contracted instructional time, MCTE may retain 25 percent of the tuition cost, plus all registration, other fees, AMS/MACTE Student Fees, book and supply fees. (c) If you terminate, after completion of 25 percent and up to and including 50 percent of contracted instructional time, MCTE may retain 50 percent of tuition cost, plus all registration, other fees, AMS/MACTE Student Fees, book and supply fees. (d) If you terminate after completion of more than 50 percent of contracted instructional time, MCTE may retain the full tuition cost, plus all registration, other fees, AMS/MACTE Student Fees, book and supply fees. 5. When calculating refunds, the official date of a student’s termination is the last day of recorded attendance: 1. When MCTE receives notice of the student’s intention to discontinue the training program; or, 2. When the student is terminated for a violation of a published school policy which provides for termination; or, 3. When a student, without notice, fails to attend classes for thirty calendar days. Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page 18 Revised March 2015 6. All refunds must be paid within thirty calendar days of the student’s official termination date. Montessori Center for Teacher Education Page 19 Revised March 2015